Ingredients
8 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled1 cup butter, softened3/4 cup sugar3/4 cup packed brown sugar2 large eggs, room temperature1 teaspoon vanilla extract2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour1 teaspoon salt1 teaspoon baking soda2 cups semisweet chocolate chipsCHEESECAKE LAYER:2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened1 cup sugar2 large eggs3/4 cup 2% milk2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Preparation
Preheat oven to 375°. Line a 9-in. square baking pan with foil, letting ends extend up sides; grease foil.
Reserve 1/4 cup crumbled bacon for top. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Beat in eggs and vanilla. In another bowl, whisk flour, salt and baking soda; gradually beat into creamed mixture. Stir in chocolate chips and remaining bacon. Press half the dough onto bottom of prepared pan.
For cheesecake layer, in a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs, milk and vanilla; beat on low speed just until blended. Pour over dough in prepared pan; drop remaining dough by rounded tablespoonfuls over cheesecake layer. Sprinkle with reserved bacon.
Bake until golden brown, 45-50 minutes. Cool in pan on a wire rack. Refrigerate at least 4 hours before cutting. Lifting with foil, remove from pan. Cut into bars.
